How to Install WordPress on Your Hosting

How to Install WordPress on Your Hosting

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. Installing it on your hosting account is straightforward whether you use the one-click installer or do it manually.

Method 1: One-Click Install with Softaculous (Recommended)

Most cPanel hosting accounts include Softaculous, an auto-installer that makes WordPress installation effortless.

1. Log into cPanel.
2. Find and click Softaculous Apps Installer (or look for the WordPress icon in the Software section).
3. Click WordPress and then click the Install button.
4. Configure the installation:
   • Choose Protocol: Select https:// if you have an SSL certificate.
   • Choose Domain: Select the domain to install on.
   • In Directory: Leave blank to install on the root domain, or enter a folder name (e.g., blog).
   • Site Name & Description: Enter your site title and tagline.
   • Admin Username: Choose a secure username (avoid “admin”).
   • Admin Password: Use a strong, unique password.
   • Admin Email: Enter your email address.
   • Language: Select your preferred language.
5. Click Install.

WordPress will be installed in a few moments, and you’ll receive the admin URL (typically yourdomain.com/wp-admin).

Method 2: Manual Installation

1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org.
2. Create a MySQL database and user in cPanel (see our MySQL databases guide).
3. Upload WordPress files to your public_html directory via FTP or File Manager.
4. Navigate to your domain in a browser. The WordPress installation wizard will appear.
5. Enter your database details:
   • Database Name
   • Database Username
   • Database Password
   • Database Host (usually localhost)
   • Table Prefix (default: wp_, change for security)
6. Click Run the Installation.
7. Set your site title, admin username, password, and email.
8. Click Install WordPress.

Post-Installation Steps

After installing WordPress, complete these essential tasks:

1. Update permalinks — Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose “Post name” for SEO-friendly URLs.
2. Install a security plugin — Wordfence or Sucuri are popular choices.
3. Install a caching plugin — WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache improve performance.
4. Delete default content — Remove the sample post, page, and comment.
5. Choose a theme — Go to Appearance > Themes to select and customize your theme.
6. Set up backups — Install a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus.
7. Keep WordPress updated — Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins.

Troubleshooting

• Error establishing database connection: Double-check your database credentials in wp-config.php.
• White screen of death: Increase PHP memory limit or disable plugins via FTP.
• Redirect loop: Clear cookies and check your WordPress URL settings in the database.

For WordPress installation help, contact 10Corp support.